10 Things You May Not Know About Victoria

Victoria’s nickname- the city of the newlywed or newly dead- doesn’t just come from anywhere. Nearly 18% of the population is over the age of 65. Retirement, anyone?

Victoria has the second oldest Chinatown in North America, only behind San Francisco. It is in Chinatown that you can find the narrowest alleyway in all of Canada.

Victoria has the second highest number of restaurants per capita in North America. Once again, only behind San Francisco.

Victoria is considered the bicycle capital of Canada because of an extensive bike path system, along with a high percentage of regular cyclists.

Victoria happens to sit in an earthquake zone. However, the threat of a tsunami is quite low. There would have to be a major earthquake in the subduction zone, which is 100 km’s off of Vancouver Island.

Victoria is home to over 70 urban parks, which is quite a lot for a city of its size.

National Geographic designated Victoria as one of the best cold-water diving destinations for its marine diversity and water clarity. In fact, the renowned Jacques Cousteau Society considers it the second best region, only behind the Red Sea.

Victoria’s waters are home to 3 separate species of Orca Whales, totaling over 80 mammals.

The Maritime Museum of British Columbia, located in Victoria is home to North America’s oldest operating birdcage elevator.